In 2026, mobile users expect instant gratification. If your Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) aren’t monetized correctly, you’re missing out on the highest viewability rates in the industry. While Google has moved its focus toward Core Web Vitals (CWV), AMP remains the fastest way for publishers to pass the LCP (Largest Contentful Paint) test and secure premium ad placements.
To maximize your earnings, your AMP monetization strategy must be as streamlined as the pages themselves. Here is how to set up AMP ads using the two official methods and the “Pro” WordPress shortcut.
Method 1: AMP Auto Ads (The Fastest Setup)
AMP Auto Ads are powered by machine learning to find the best-performing spots on your mobile pages without you lifting a finger.
- How to Enable: 1. In your AdSense dashboard, go to Ads > Overview. 2. Click the “Got an AMP site?” link. 3. Toggle the “Auto ads for AMP” switch to blue.
- Code Placement: * Part 1: Paste the script in the
<head>section. This loads theamp-auto-adslibrary.- Part 2: Paste the second snippet immediately after the opening
<body>tag.
- Part 2: Paste the second snippet immediately after the opening
- The Benefit: Google will automatically inject ads into “questionable” gaps in your content where engagement is highest, such as after long paragraphs or near the end of an article.
Method 2: Manual AMP Ad Units (Precision Control)
If you want to maintain a specific layout or prevent ads from appearing in sensitive areas, manual units are the way to go.
- How to Generate: 1. Go to Ads > By Ad Unit. 2. Click the Code Icon (
<>) on an existing display unit. 3. Select the AMP tab at the top of the code window. - Implementation: * Place the required script in the
<head>.- Place the ad unit code exactly where you want the ad to appear (e.g., below your first image).
- 2026 Pro-Tip: Use manual units for your “Above the Fold” slot to guarantee a high Active View score, then let Auto Ads fill the rest of the page.
The WordPress Shortcut: Google Site Kit
For WordPress publishers, manual code editing is a thing of the past. The official Google Site Kit plugin handles the technical heavy lifting for both AMP and non-AMP versions of your site.
- Install Site Kit: Search for the official Google plugin in your WordPress dashboard.
- Connect AdSense: Follow the on-screen prompts to link your account.
- Toggle Automation: Under Settings > AdSense, ensure the “Let Site Kit place code” option is active.
- The “Smart” Benefit: Site Kit detects if a user is visiting the AMP or standard version of your page and serves the correct, policy-compliant ad code automatically.
Content Gap: AMP Performance vs. Standard HTML in 2026
Many publishers ask: Is AMP still worth it? While the “lightning bolt” icon has faded from SERPs, the ranking benefit of a fast site has never been stronger. AMP ads load faster than traditional JavaScript-heavy ads, which often leads to:
- Higher CPMs: Advertisers pay more for ads that are actually seen (Viewability).
- Better INP (Interaction to Next Paint): Because AMP limits heavy third-party scripts, your site stays responsive even when ads are loading.